Are you a victim of forgetfulness? Do you find yourself going through "where are my keys "routine? Do you search for your car because you can't remember where you've parked it?
What about names? Do you forget someone's name shortly after you hear it? This can be embarrassing, especially in business. Do you misplace your cell phone and then have to call yourself in order to locate it?
You're not alone! Forgetfulness is a common problem for many of us, and it doesn't always mean you're getting Alzheimer's. While studies indicate that memory, response time, and attention span tend to diminish with age, the losses are often due to a lack of exercising the brain and body.
As we all know, exercise is essential for our physical health, but did you know that it also has a tremendous impact on our brain health? Studies have shown that regular exercise can significantly improve memory, focus, and concentration. When we exercise, our body produces a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a crucial role in the growth and survival of our brain cells. This protein helps to create new neural connections and strengthens existing ones, leading to improved cognitive function. One of the most significant benefits of exercise on our brain health is its impact on memory. Exercise has been shown to improve our ability to remember information, both in the short-term and long-term. This is because exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients that are essential for brain function.
Additionally, exercise has been found to stimulate the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for memory formation and recall. In addition to memory, exercise also has a positive impact on our ability to focus and concentrate. When we exercise, our brain releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which plays a critical role in motivation, attention, and learning. This neurotransmitter helps to improve our focus and concentration, making it easier to complete tasks and stay on track. Overall, the benefits of exercise on our brain health are clear. Regular exercise can help to improve memory, focus, and concentration, leading to better cognitive function and overall well-being. So, if you want to boost your brainpower, try incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
There are simple things you can use to improve brain function and sharpen memory. To develop a better memory, start working on the abilities you've got, but don't use. You can strengthen your memory by changing your thinking and your habits. Changing habits and thinking differently improves brain circulation and encourages the use of both sides of the brain. This helps to improve not only memory but other brain functions as well.
Remembering means committing new information to long-term memory. This requires attention. If you come home and let your car keys drop wherever you're not likely to remember where they are in the morning. Instead, you'll simply begin the routine of searching the house and retracing your steps from the night before. When you go to the mall and pay no attention to where you've parked, it stands to reason that you won't remember where to find your car.
To remember new information, connect it to something you already know. If you've just met "Bill," connect him to that unpaid bill in your e-mail. To remember where you're parked at the mall, connect your parking spot to something visual like the nearest flagship store. Or take a picture of the car with a landmark with your phone and use that photo to locate your car when you are done.
Maintaining a fit brain and a sharp memory requires regular exercise in the same way that physical fitness does. One of the best ways to exercise your brain is to challenge it with novel experiences. Something as simple as taking a different route to work will exercise your brain, as will listening to new music or eating something for dinner you've never tasted. To challenge your brain even more, perform short tasks with your non-dominant hand.
The problem is that we become so comfortable with the familiar that we stay in the same routines. This does nothing to help the brain stay fit. To exercise your brain on a regular basis, make it a point to change your routine in small but meaningful ways every day. This will bring different areas of the brain into play, improve cranial blood flow, and strengthen neural connections between different areas of the brain. The regular practice of brain fitness exercises can even stall dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine doesn't have to be complicated. Even simple activities like walking, biking, or doing yoga can have a positive impact on your brain function. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to reap the cognitive benefits. And remember, exercise is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to maintaining a healthy brain. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying mentally stimulated are all important for cognitive health as well.